Russian President Vladimir Putin

NEW YORK, September 24. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday the word "czar" cannot apply to him, although on the whole he does not pay much attention to the way critics and political opponents call him.

Putin said this in an interview with American journalist Charlie Rose, whose fragment the CBS TV channel published on its website. The interview will go on air in full at the end of this or beginning of next week.

Starting the conversation, the journalist told the president: "You're much talked about in America. There's much conversation, more so than any."

"Maybe they have nothing else to do in America but talk about me," Putin said laughingly.

Rose also said some people call the Russian president a czar.

"So what? You know people call me different names," Putin said as translated into English.

"But does the name fit?" Rose asked.

"No, it does not fit me. It's not important how I'm called, whether these are well-wishers, friends or political opponents. It's important what you think about you, what you must do for the interest of the country which has entrusted you with the position as the head of the Russian state," Putin said.